Questions and Answers About NCLR’s Immigration Position

These questions were compiled by the National Council of La Raza in response to questions we are frequently asked regarding our position on immigration reform.

Q:    Does NCLR support undocumented immigration?

A:    No. NCLR believes that all immigration to the U.S. should be safe and legal. Their lack of legal status means that undocumented workers are vulnerable and easily exploitable, resulting in unscrupulous employers offering these workers poor wages and working conditions. In addition, undocumented immigrants live in fear of detection, are vulnerable to crime, and not eligible for most social services, all of which contribute to difficult living and working conditions. It is in the best interests of the United States and of immigrants themselves to ensure that all immigration to the U.S. takes place legally.

Q:   Does NCLR support undocumented immigrants?

A:   NCLR advocates on behalf of the entire Latino population regardless of immigration status. We believe that all persons deserve dignity and respect, and that the human rights and civil rights of all persons must be upheld.

Q:    Does NCLR believe in open borders?

A:    No. NCLR does not and has never advocated open borders. We believe that the U.S. is a sovereign country with the right to control its borders. We care a great deal about how our borders are enforced; NCLR has long argued that enforcement at the border and in the interior must be conducted in a way that maximizes effectiveness without undercutting our values as a nation. We are especially troubled that more than a decade of increased enforcement measures along the U.S.-Mexico border have resulted in a steep increase in the number of border deaths without much impact in deterring migration. NCLR takes the position that any border enforcement policies must be both effective and humane.

Q:   Does NCLR advocate unlimited immigrant admissions?

A:   No. Immigration to the United States is currently restricted, and NCLR supports these restrictions. In order to come legally as an immigrant, you must be sponsored by an employer (in a “highly-skilled” profession) or by a close family member, such as a spouse, parent, adult son or daughter, or sibling. NCLR supports these visa categories, and is working to ensure that all immigration can take place legally.

Q:   What are NCLR’s policy positions on immigration reform?

A:   NCLR supports comprehensive immigration reforms that combine reasonable enforcement with reduction in family immigration backlogs, a legal path for future immigrant workers, and a path to citizenship for those living and working in the U.S. For further information, see our issue brief: Immigration Reform: Comprehensive Solutions to Complex Problems.

Q:   Does NCLR support an amnesty?

A:   No. NCLR supports a path to citizenship for immigrant workers that requires them to earn permanent status over time. Unlike amnesty – which is an immediate and complete pardon – to earn permanent status an immigrant would have to register with the government, undergo a criminal background check, maintain a clean record, pay all taxes, learn English, and pay a fine to the government. This is very different from an “amnesty.”

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